A mom that survives on a lot of coffee, a bit of snark, and too much wine.

Amelia Top, Dress and Maxi – Bella Sunshine Designs

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I had the privilege of again testing two new patterns from Bella Sunshine Designs – Amelia Maxi, Dress and Top for both Ladies and Girls. Once again, the BSD team was incredible to work with, and this pattern is going to be a staple for me from here on out. I love it!

The pattern is a bit more complex than the Sahara Dress and Top, because there was quite a bit of gathering. However, the end result is so worth it, and once I did it once, it was much easier to do the next time! The front has a wrapped bodice, so it crosses in a very flattering way. I sometimes have a hard time finding patterns that flatter my bustline, so I love the way this fit me! The back has a really unique v-neck cut, which adds an interesting look to the outfit. It again has an empire waist, which is super flattering. The gathering under the bust and at the top of the waist also makes for a flattering fit! The best part – you can use a woven fabric for the skirt portion! Since it’s gathered, you don’t have to worry about the stretch of the fabric, so it opens up so many options for fabric combinations! I have not yet tried the Amelia with a woven skirt, but I hope to do that soon.

Another thing that is really great about this pattern in the ladies version is that there is no grading necessary! I measured in the size 6 for the bodice, but the size 12 for the skirt based on my waist measurement. The pattern is separated into the bodice and skirt, and each have layers for size, so you can select one size for the bust and the other size for the skirt. I was able to print two sizes right from the start and make no other edits from there.

I made two versions of the ladies pattern during the testing period. The first I made in the sleeveless dress length version, with rayon spandex for the main bodice, and cotton lycra for the lining and skirt. This version is unhemmed, mostly just because I loathe hemming – especially circle skirts! I’m sure many of you can agree with me on that, right?

In my second and final version for the ladies pattern, I used coral and teal cotton lycra from Purple Seamstress throughout the entire dress. Again it was done in the sleeveless dress length, and again it was unhemmed…because lazy. Sorry, not sorry!

Kenzie also had the sleeveless dress length version, and it fit her like a glove! I was able to make her a straight size 3, and I just think it is the cutest thing on her! Of course, I may be biased… Also, how cute did she model for me this day?

Of course, Kenzie wanted her skirt to be pink, so that left me with the teal skirt. I think the coral just suits her so well – every time she wears this dress, I can’t help but tell her how darn cute she looks!

I purposely created both versions to be matching Mommy and Me sets – I used to think it was so silly for mothers and daughters to dress alike, but now that I make my own clothes, I’m completely obsessed with it! Call me cheesy, but my daughter also loves to look just like Mom! 🙂 I love the way the two-tone dresses look together with the different color blocked sides. It was definitely a pain to figure out exactly what to cut and how, but so worth it in the end. Those are definitely my favorite dresses I’ve made for us.

Hi there! My name is Jessica, and I am a mom to a sassy little spitfire named Kenzie. I work full time in Customer Service, but in my free time, you can often find me sewing, reading, writing, crafting or playing with my daughter. My favorite things are coffee, wine, fabric, and chocolate.

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